How raising awareness about democratic processes empowered people to vote

Take Part Exeter sought to increase civic participation by delivering learning and information on voting in local and general elections. In April 2010, Take Part Exeter ran a publicity campaign indicating where to
find information about local candidates and what they stood for.

In addition, Take Part Exeter worked with the Parliamentary Outreach programme to deliver awareness-raising sessions at Exeter CVS and to the ‘Speaking Up’ Sure Start group. The Sure Start group were later invited to London for a tour of the Houses of Parliament, an in-depth workshop on parliamentary processes, and a question and answer session with their local MP, Ben Bradshaw.

Prior to the course the learners were all non-voters: “Before [the course], there was no way I would vote, I just thought it was boring but not my vote makes a difference to me, to my children and to my community ... It’s not just about building your confidence and self-esteem, it’s making your voice heard, it’s understanding how to make decisions in your society and community, [and] getting involved.”

Total number of learners on parliament sessions: 30